You are here:

California/san fransico to dan deigo

Advertisement

Expert: Jason Curodeau - 8/4/2010


Question
My wife and I will be flying to San Fransico and spending two days there. We would like to drive the coast to San Deigo where we will be attending a convention. When we arrive in San Fransico we have 8 days to get to San Deigo. Looking for ideas as to what to see and how long it will take us. We thought about stopping to see LA also.

Answer
Mike,
If you have 8 full days this will give you plenty of time to make the drive down the coast. Depending on your interests there are plenty of sights to see. If you are a literary person you might enjoy Cannery Row in Monterey or the Henry Miller library in BIg Sur. Hearst castle is always something to see in San Simeon as well. Personally I like to just meander down the coast and stop where it feels right. If you are into photography there will be plenty of opportunities as well. I would suggest taking a side street or to as you get close to Big Sur. There are some amazing cabins back in the woods that it is hard to believe even exist in this century, many of them look like some old hut in the Bayou circa 1812, but people actually live in them.
Just take your time and enjoy. Just make sure you have a full tank when you leave Monterey. The gas is VERY expensive in Big Sur. Also accomodation are limited between Monterey and San Simeon. If you happen to find yourself toward the end of the day when you are in Monterey I would suggest staying the night. The most beautiful drive is through Big Sir and it is winding and long, not a place you want to rush through at night. I have made this mistake myself so take your time. At a normal clip stopping occasionally I have made it from San Francisco to Huntington Beach in two days so you will have more than enough time to enjoy yourself.
I hope I have been of some help and enjoy your trip.
Jason Curodeau

California

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jason Curodeau

Expertise

I can answer all questions regarding best routes of travel. Although I cannot predict traffic conditions, I can provide the most scenic and dynamic route for the traveller on a budget and or schedule. I also know the most direct and yet scenic routes.

Experience

I have had the opportunity to travel quite extensively throughout the Southwest and the Pacific Northwest, both as a resident and traveler. My search for adventure and new experiences has given me the thirst for the "road less travelled". Because I am not independently wealthy, the road I travel is as an admirer of the journey. As long as I can find a place to sleep for next to nothing, pack some food, and afford the gas I am down the road. If given a description of the prospective travelers needs I can easily provide them with detailed route options independent of their finances and suited to their needs. Most of my travels have been by automobile. I recently purchased a motorcycle and I am taking ten day trip from Joshua Tree to Auburn California and I am taking back roads and state highways the entire way. I will take a day trip around Lake Tahoe, where I lived for two years, and cruise the old highways of the Gold Mining era. I will cut across towards the Pacific and slowly wind my way down the coast taking in every minute smell and experience temperature changes subtly created by the shadow of leaves

Organizations
Some friends and I from the area have started a local music and art "zine" and have experienced some very positive community feedback.

Education/Credentials
I am currently a full-time, thirty-seven year old student and I am preparing to begin a career in primary education. I have chosen this field not only because I feel it will be rewarding but also for the travel time it will allow me. I anticipate frequent world travel in my near future.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.